GROSVENOR v LISBURN
Grosvenor (6th) entertain Lisburn (5th) at Belmont on Saturday; two teams who promised much at the beginning of the season and quickly slipped off the pace. In their last league outing at Omagh, Grosvenor put up a spirited performance before losing 19-11 to the hosts. Last Saturday they won a compelling Conference League game against Armagh 2nds (16-24) despite being down to 11 players at one stage during the game. Captain Mark Cartmill led by example scoring a try in their win. Injuries have plagued the East Belfast side this season with the 1st team squad having used thirty two players. Coach Peter Lowry will be looking a strong finish to the season by his team. Lisburn have won their last two league games against Strabane and Limavady to restore confidence. When the two teams met at Blaris on 21st December, Grosvenor ran out narrow 3-6 winners. Again expect another keenly contested game. Grosvenor to win.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
HOLYWOOD v MONAGHAN
League leaders Holywood will look for two points to maintain their undefeated push for league honours this season. It looks as if the title will be decided at the Glynn on 1st March when Larne and Holywood meet. This Saturday Holywood welcome Monaghan to Kerr Park in the knowledge that they defeated their opponents 15-65 back in October. Monaghan know league points are vital as they sit second from bottom, just two points ahead of PSNI. Monaghan last won at home to Letterkenny in Dec (12-5). They have lost their last two league games to Larne and Donegal. Holywood are firm favourites.
LETTERKENNY v DONEGAL
When the two sides met in November Donegal recorded a hard earned 15-10 home win. Pride will ensure this Donegal derby is keenly contested again on Saturday. Donegal will have been disappointed to have lost a thrilling encounter at home to Newry last Saturday (22-30). In their last league outing at home two weeks ago, Letterkenny put up a spirited performance in losing 12-38 to league leaders Holywood. A difficult game to call, with Donegal starting as slight favourites.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
CAVAN v ARMOY
When the two sides met at Lime Park in October Cavan recorded a 5-20 win. Cavan sit second in the table and are involved in a contest with near neighbours Virginia to claim second place in the league. In their last league outings, Armoy lost 25-5 at BHSFP, whilst Cavan defeated the same opposition 18-0. With home advantage Cavan should win.
CIVIL SERVICE v OPHIR
The Mallusk side remain undefeated after ten league games and look unstoppable in their push for league honours. They have defeated nearest challengers Cavan and Virginia in recent weeks. Civil Service will not relish the visit of this free scoring team who have already recorded 18- 0 and 48 -0 wins over them this season. Service are on a run of five consecutive league defeats and provided Londonderry YMCA with their first league win at Drumahoe last Saturday. Ophir to win.
VIRGINIA v LONDONDERRY YMCA
Willy Lamrock will have been happy his young YMCA side recorded their first league win at home last Saturday to Civil Service by a 27-10 scoreline. He will be hoping they can build on this performance when they travel to County Cavan this weekend. Virginia won the corresponding game in the North West back in October by 13-22. Virginia were due to play league leaders Ophir last Saturday but the game was postponed due to a water logged pitch. Two weeks ago Virginia recorded a 19-26 away win at Civil Service. Virginia to win.